Simulation of the Dynamics and Control Responses of the Carbon Dioxide Chemical Absorption Process using Aspen Custom Modeler

Abstract

A rate-based dynamic model for the amine-based carbon dioxide absorption process was developed and built in Aspen Custom Modeler, which provides the convenient utilization of the property databank, thermodynamic models, controller models and solver facilities provided by the Aspen platform. The model was verified by the literature reported pilot plant dynamic data. A carbon dioxide absorption process with control system for the treatment of the coal-fired power plant flue gas was simulated using this model. The dynamic responses to the disturbances of the flue gas flow rate, temperature and carbon dioxide concentration as well as the set point changes of the absorption efficiency and lean solution loading are presented. The control scheme works well to reach the new steady state but requires a response time of about 9 hours. The model can be utilized to investigate the performance of alternative control schemes.